Music Therapy at NCMS
Music Therapy Mission Statement
At NCMS, our board-certified music therapists are dedicated to musically supporting individual and community strengths while working to minimize systemic harm.
What is Music Therapy?
“Music therapy is a process and a form which combines the healing aspects of music with the issues of human need for the benefit of the individual, (groups, communities,) and hence society. The music therapist serves as a resource person and guide, providing musical experiences which direct (participants) toward health and wellbeing.”
- Carlyn Kenny, with some additions by Krystal Bloom
Music Therapist Qualifications
Music therapists hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (or an equivalent) in music therapy. The Certification Board for Music Therapists oversees the credential Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC). Music therapists are required to re-certify every five years through continuing education experiences.
How is Music Therapy different?
(Expand below for more information)
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Lessons provided by a skilled and experienced music educator
Learning musical skills related to a specific instrument
Learning one instrument at a time and working on skills on that instrument
Adhering to a curriculum set by the teacher based on a specific musical skill or milestone
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Lessons provided by a board certified music therapist who is able to adapt lesson material and instruments to the needs of the participant
Learning musical skills related to one or more instruments
Learning one or more instruments at a time, and working on musical skills
Following a fluid curriculum adapted to the participant’s needs
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Sessions provided by a board certified music therapist
Working on non-musical focus areas based on the needs of the participant
Using multiple instruments within a single session based on participant preference, need, and focus areas
Following a flexible plan to address focus areas and needs of the participant
What Does Music Therapy Look Like?
Music therapy sessions look different for each participant or group, but might include:
Singing
Creating music
Movement to music
Learning music
Instrument playing
Songwriting
Listening to music
Discussing music
Music meditation
Incorporating other creative modalities such as art or dance
& MORE!
Who Is Music Therapy For?
Music therapy is for everyone!
Individuals, groups, and organizations
People of all ages
People living with mental health challenges and neurodivergence
People with physical and/or cognitive disabilities
People who are musical…
& people who are not!
NCMS Music Therapy Program featured in the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Publication, PURPOSE (Spring/Summer 2026)
“TOUCHING LIVES ACROSS GENERATIONS:
Music therapy program at Nashua Community Music School helps young children, adults and veterans.”
»Click here to read the online article!«
»Click here to see the digital copy of the printed publication!«
Support Music Therapy at NCMS
Make a difference in your community! Make a donation or sponsor a music therapy program at the Nashua Community Music School!
Interested in bringing a music therapy program to your business or organization? Connect with us today to discuss your options!